Creosote is an unavoidable consequence of combusting wood, coal, pellets, or oil. The gases from these materials ascend up the chimney and form a layer on its interior lining. As today’s fireplaces have been designed to maximize air circulation in order to decrease creosote build-up, this doesn’t solve the issue entirely.
It is essential that we clean out creosote before it grows into a serious hazard for ourselves and our family members alike!
Creosote accumulation in your chimney can be a major safety hazard and should not be overlooked. When selecting the best creosote remover, there are multiple factors to consider such as the amount of buildup and necessary cleaning method. To ensure your chimney is kept clean and safe, check out some of our top recommended products for removing creosote – you won’t regret it!
How often should I clean my chimney?
It is important to regularly clean your chimney in order to maintain its structural integrity and to prevent any potential fires. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that all chimneys should be inspected at least once a year, and cleaned if necessary. Additionally, it is also recommended that wood-burning chimneys be swept twice a year or more often if needed.
Our top products for removing creosot
1. Rutland Products 2 lb Creosote Remover – Top Product for its price
Rutland Products 2 lb Creosote Remover is a safe and easy to use product for keeping your chimney and fireplace clean from creosote buildup. This remover penetrates the sticky tar-like creosote, breaking it down into a powdery, non-adhering ash that can be brushed away easily.
It is suitable for all types of fireplaces, stoves, airtight stoves, free burning fireplaces and catalytic converters without causing any harm. This 2 lb container you can get up to 16 applications making it perfect for everyday use as well since only heat of 265°F or more will activate it.
This product is available in a granular form. The instructions are simple; kindling and wood of around 2″ diameter should be used to build the fire, which should burn for 15-30 minutes before one scoop full of the product is added over embers. Once this has been done, it will start crackling right away so you can close your fireplace off until next time.
After just one use I’ve already noticed a measurable difference inside my fireplace – its bright sheen dulling slightly after every application – making scraping away any creosote an easy task with chisel or putty knife! All in all, using this product brings me peace of mind knowing that each use helps protect my home from dangerous fire hazards.
Pros
- Much cheaper than other products per Oz.
- Acceptable for all types of chimneys, fireplaces
- Will not harm catalytic converters
Pros
- Pipes never look like those before & after shots as advertised
2. Pine Mountain Creosote Buster Chimney Cleaning Safety Firelog – Simple solution to clean your chimney
Pine Mountain Creosote Buster Chimney Cleaning Safety Firelog is a revolutionary product designed to safely and easily remove dangerous creosote buildup from your chimney, helping to prevent the risk of chimney fires.
The specially formulated powder within this fire log converts into a super-penetrating gas when heated to attack creosote compounds in your chimney. It’s easy, clean, safe and all natural! Plus, our fire logs burn cleaner than cordwood with up to 80% less carbon monoxide and 75% less particulate matter.
When using any of these products in your fireplace, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- 1To properly start a fire, ignite the desired chemicals in about 30 minutes and make sure it’s hot enough for them to completely burn. To avoid any suctioning of air, only open the log box slightly from its top. This process will ensure your fire is ready to continue burning without fizzling out prematurely!
- To ensure your safety, it is essential to open windows and guarantee you have sufficient ventilation. This way, you won’t inhale the potentially hazardous fumes released from any chemicals or gas if your fireplace does not feature doors that close.
- To guarantee the chemicals fully burn and exit through your chimney properly, follow-up with additional wood in the same burning session.
- Exercise caution when removing the ash from your fireplace and take extra care not to inhale any tiny particles. Once done, be sure to properly dispose of it in the trash.
- For maximum safety, make sure to add extra logs to your fireplace once a month during the wintertime. Follow the same steps listed above whenever you do this.
Pros
- Helps safely and easily remove creosote
- Specially formulated powder converts into a super-penetrating gas when heated to attack creosote compounds in your chimney.
- Easy, clean, safe and all natural!
- Burns cleaner than cordwood
- Simple start-up process
Cons
- Can be potentially hazardous if windows are not opened or ventilation is not sufficient
- Follow-up with additional wood in the same burning session may be necessary for full combustion
- Care must be taken when removing and disposing of ash to avoid inhalation of small particles
3. Bluesea Chimney Cleaning Kit – Must-have Kit for all homeowners
The Bluesea Chimney Cleaning Kit is the latest generation design of chimney sweep kits on the market. It features a sturdy chrome button locking system that ensures it won’t loosen during rotation, and each rod measures 39.3 inches in length – helping to save time by reducing the number of rods needed for cleaning.
This premium kit includes strong nylon string bristles and corrosion-resistant rod heads, which make sweeping away soot and creosote buildup from hearths easier than ever before!
Not only does this help you prevent flue fires, but it can also help you save costs on professional chimney cleaning services too! With everything you need included in one set – including nine flexible rods, a brush head, gripper gloves, plastic sheet & collection bag – you’ll have everything necessary to keep your chimney clean safely and efficiently.
Moreover, you can use this kit with with others creosote cleaners, chimney flue cleaners, and chimney brushes to maximize your cleaning efforts. So don’t wait any longer – get the Bluesea Chimney Cleaning Kit today and keep your home safe & clean!
Pros
- Sturdy, chrome button locking system ensures rods won’t loosen.
- Rods measure 39.3 inches in length to reduce number of needed for cleaning and save time.
- Strong nylon string bristles and corrosion-resistant rod heads
- Helps prevent flue fires and can help save costs on professional chimney cleaning services.
- Includes everything necessary to keep your chimney clean safely
Cons
- Long rods can be difficult to manage for users with limited mobility or strength capabilities.
- May not effectively remove all of the soot and creosote buildup from hearths, especially if the chimney is heavily clogged or damaged internally in some way.
- Additional cleaning solutions and tools may be required beyond what is included in kit to complete a thorough cleanse of chimney flue and surrounding areas (e.g., ladders).
What to Know About the Dangers of Creosote
When the creosote buildup in your chimney is left unchecked, it can lead to hazardous toxins entering into your home when a fire is burning. These noxious gases have been known to cause an array of ailments ranging from headaches and eye irritation to skin rashes and breathing difficulties if not properly vented out through the fireplace or stove. Protect yourself by ensuring that any combustion appliance installed in your house has adequate ventilation!
Not only can creosote present health risks, but its high volatility also puts your home in danger of a chimney fire. To limit the risk of this hazardous occurrence, make sure that you keep a fire extinguisher nearby at all times. If left unchecked, the corrosive powers of creosote buildup can even eat through steel liners and flues! Make sure to remove any potential sources of creosote before it causes catastrophic damage to your beloved abode.
Degrees of Creosote
In order to pick the right product and removal technique, it’s essential that you identify the level of creosote buildup. Different products are designed for different levels of creosote accumulation which is measured by degree based on its physical properties like thickness of deposits.
First Degree
Creosote buildup occurs in different levels, with first degree being the least dangerous. At this stage of development, it resembles black soot and sticks to your chimney liner like dust would stick to a surface. The creosote is also dry and flaky so it can be easily removed during regular fireplace cleaning procedures.
Second Degree
With each fire, the creosote clings to your chimney lining and transforms into a thick adhesive substance- this is known as the second level of creosote accumulation. In order to get rid of it, certain chemicals are necessary in addition to scraping or brushing out the residue. While tedious work, it’s absolutely vital for keeping your home safe from hazardous material build up!
Third Degree
If neglected, the significant heat from fires can cause creosote deposits to harden into a glaze-like coating–third-degree creosote buildup. Removing this is difficult and thus requires professional help. Furthermore, high temperatures when burning in your fireplace may result in the melted glazed creosote dripping down to the firebox bottom.
Not only does creosote form a health and fire hazard, but it was also formally used to treat exterior wood timbers. Unfortunately, scientific evidence indicating that the chemical could be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) put an end to this practice altogether.
What to do if you have many creosot?
If your fireplace is filling with smoke and creosote, the problem may lie in what you’re burning or how it’s being drafted. However, more often than not, it’s caused by an improper selection of wood that hasn’t been seasoned properly resulting in a poor burn.
Even if stored dry and covered outside—prolonging the season process won’t help much since unseasoned wood emits harmful gases no matter what you add to the fire.
Product Type
If you want to keep your chimney free from creosote buildup, it is essential that you use a specialized cleaner before the residue has hardened onto the flue or liner. Although these products can be effective in preventing further build-up, they cannot replace professional service.
For optimal results, have your chimney inspected and professionally cleaned as soon as possible so that it will be ready when cold weather strikes. To maintain cleanliness while using the fireplace throughout wintertime, make sure to employ these industry-leading creosote removers!
Creosote sweeping logs
If you’re familiar with fire starter logs, then you’ll recognize creosote sweeping logs. These nifty little products contain heat-activated chemicals that reduce the buildup of soot on a chimney liner. For maximum efficiency, remember to burn one every 30 to 60 fires as stated in its package instructions.
Additionally, during first and second degree creosote accumulation stages, these logs can dry out soot residues and dissolve sticky glycerol which will cause them to fall into your fireplace box – ready for easy disposal along with wood ash!
Liquids
Utilizing liquid removers that contain manganese is an effective method for eliminating creosote buildup. Such liquids are perfect for first- and second-degree deposits, making them especially useful in pellet stoves where the pellets fall through a burner pan.
Squirt or spray the liquid onto pellets, wood chips, kindling from a fireplace rack – whatever fuel you choose. When combustion occurs, it produces chemicals that will then penetrate buildup and make it brittle enough to crumble away as ash. If your creosote is glazed over however, special types of removers can soften this residue for simpler cleanup by an expert technician.
Powders
To ready a chimney that has accumulated glazed creosote for professional cleaning, powdered removers are usually sprinkled over the logs in the fireplace. For optimal results, this process may need to be repeated multiple times to adequately soften and loosen up those stubborn deposits before they can be removed by an expert chimney sweep.
Manual
Professional chimney sweeps often use scrapers and brushes to remove creosote, tools that are also included in this remover product. For those who prefer a DIY approach, certain products even offer the ability to clean from the bottom of the chimney.
Chimney Cleaner and Liquid Creosote Remover: Сustomer Кeviews
- “I’ve been using Rutland Creosote Remover for my wood stove, and it’s been a game-changer. It easily dissolves the sticky, tar-like creosote that used to be such a pain to clean. Highly recommend for anyone with a wood-burning appliance! ” Natan M.
- “As a professional chimney sweep, I regularly deal with glazed creosote in airtight stoves. I tried Rutland’s liquid creosote remover, and it works wonders, making my job a lot easier and chimneys safer. A must-have for fireplace accessories.” Sen Li
- “I was skeptical at first, but Rutland Creosote Remover is great for my pellet stove. It’s safe to use and effectively turns that tough creosote into harmless ash. After reading several customer reviews on Amazon.com, I gave it a shot, and I’m glad I did! ” Aloise
- “My chimney cleaner recommended Rutland products, specifically the pellet stove creosote remover. It’s safe for use, and with weekly applications, I’ve noticed significantly less creosote buildup. For best results, don’t skip the regular chimney cleaning!” FunkeeL
- “I’ve been using the Rutland Liquid Creosote Remover in my fireplace insert, and it’s the best product I’ve found. It penetrates and helps dissolve the creosote for an easy way to keep my chimney clean and reduce the risk of chimney fires.” Mourise Cooper
How chimney-cleaning logs work
Chimney-cleaning logs contain an assortment of minerals and chemical addendums that are released when the log is lit. This allows them to dry out, crack open creosote buildup, and even reduce it by up to 50 percent with regular use. The heat from future fires will also help to chip away at any remaining residue for a more effective cleanse.
Effeciency
Chimney-cleaning logs are a great tool for drying out and dislodging creosote buildup, but they shouldn’t be seen as an alternative to professional cleaning services. By using one of these logs at least once per season you can help reduce the number of required cleanings and make the chimney sweep’s job more efficient.
Our experienced technicians do more than just cleaning. They are also qualified to inspect the flue and suggest repairs – tasks that no chimney-cleaning log can ever carry out. Remember, chimney-cleaning logs should only be used on wood burning fireplaces; never try using them in gas or electric fireplaces!
What to look for in a quality chimney-cleaning log
Fireplace compatibility
When using a chimney-cleaning log, it is important to make sure that the product is compatible with your particular fireplace. Not all logs are suitable for use in all types of fireplaces and there are some specific considerations that need to be taken into account when selecting a log for your home.
For instance, if you have a wood burning fireplace, then you’ll want to ensure that the product is certified for use in such an appliance. Likewise, if you have a gas or electric fireplace, check the product’s label to make sure it is safe for use with these types of appliances as well.
Ingredients and efficiency
Take a look at what ingredients the chimney-cleaning log is composed of. A quality product will contain minerals that are effective at breaking down creosote and other dangerous deposits, such as magnesium chloride or potassium nitrate. Furthermore, if the log is made with a proprietary blend of ingredients then it should be more effective than those without one.
Certifications
When selecting chimney-cleaning logs, always opt for those that have been listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). These products have gone through rigorous testing to meet the highest standards of safety and quality. Plus, they are evaluated independently by a non-profit organization – so you can be sure you’re getting an unbiased perspective on their effectiveness!
Correct instructions
Finally, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s directions when using a chimney-cleaning log. Lighting it incorrectly or not following the instructions can be dangerous and may even negate any of its benefits. Pay attention to how long the log should burn, as well as other special instructions on proper use. With this in mind, you’ll be able to get the most out of the product and ensure that your fireplace is safe to use.
With regular use, chimney-cleaning logs can be a great tool for reducing creosote buildup in your home. However, it’s important to remember that these are not a substitute for professional chimney cleaning services. If you see signs of extensive creosote buildup, or if you haven’t had your chimney cleaned in over a year, then it’s important to contact a professional for assistance. Doing so will help ensure that your home is safe and comfortable for years to come.
How much you can expect to spend on a chimney-cleaning log
The cost of a chimney-cleaning log can vary depending on the type and brand of product you purchase. Generally speaking, you can expect to spend anywhere from $10-$30 for a single use log that is designed for wood burning fireplaces. If you plan on using these logs more than once per season, then it may be worth investing in a larger quantity or subscription service. In this case, you can expect to spend around $50-$100 for a year’s worth of use.
Regardless of how much you decide to spend on your chimney-cleaning log, remember that it is still important to contact an experienced technician for professional cleaning services at least once a year. This will help ensure that your fireplace is running safely and efficiently, while also maintaining its longevity in the long-term.
FAQ: Safely Using Creosote Removers for Stoves and Fireplaces
Q: What should I be aware of when using creosote removers? A: Creosote removers, like the anti-creo-soot formulations, may expose you to chemicals that require caution. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines on the product label and check out www.p65warnings.ca.gov for specific health-related information.
Q: How do I protect myself during application? A: It’s essential to wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles to prevent skin and eye irritation from any caustic substances. A mask should also be worn to avoid inhaling toxins.
Q: How much creosote remover will I need? A: Typically, creosote removers come in 1-gallon bottles. The amount you’ll need depends on the degree of buildup. Inspect your chimney first to gauge the creosote layer’s thickness. If it’s left untreated and becomes thick, you may need to apply another round of remover.
Q: Can I use creosote remover with gas logs or coal stoves? A: Yes, creosote removers like ACS can be used with various heat sources, including gas logs and coal stoves. However, they’re specially formulated for wood-burning appliances and may be less effective with other fuels.
Q: What happens if creosote is left untreated? A: Creosote can become a blockage hazard and, if dry and crack, can lead to chimney fires. Regularly using a creosote remover will absorb and break down these deposits, converting them into a fine ash that’s easily swept away.
Q: Can creosote removers be used on all chimney types? A: Most removers are safe for use on stainless steel and other common chimney types. However, if you have catalytic converters or specific coatings inside your chimney, check with the manufacturer if their product is recommended for use with these components.
Q: Are there any special considerations for storage? A: Store the creosote remover in a dry place, away from embers or any heat source, in its original container to prevent any accidental chemical reactions.
For more information and to find the best product for your needs, visit the manufacturer’s site or contact a professional chimney sweep for recommended products and application tips. Regular use and professional inspection are the best defense against creosote buildup.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to find a quality chimney-cleaning log that meets your needs and helps keep your home safe and comfortable throughout the winter months!
